Board backs Sunlight Adult Daycare Center at 4200 W. Lincoln Highway
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Summary
The Planning Board recommended approval for Sunlight Adult Daycare Center, a proposed non-residential adult day program that would serve up to 30 clients during weekday hours with a 1:6–1:8 staff-to-client ratio; petitioners said private pay costs would start at about $100–$110 per day.
The Town of Merrillville Planning Board voted to recommend approval for Sunlight Adult Daycare Center, proposed for 4200 West Lincoln Highway in a C‑3 highway commercial district.
Petitioner Lucy Grama, a home‑health physical therapist, said the center will provide daytime supervision, social activities, health monitoring and nutritious meals for seniors and adults who need assistance. "What is an adult day care center? It's a safe, structured, high quality, daytime service for adults who require supervision, social interaction, health monitoring, and supportive care in a community group setting," Grama said.
Staff reported the center would occupy roughly 4,000 square feet with indoor program space and an outdoor activity area, operate Monday–Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., employ about 9–12 staff daily and serve a maximum of 30 clients per day. The program described both social and medical models; staff noted that not all adult-day centers in Indiana require state licensure, and the petitioner may seek accreditation through the Indiana Association of Adult Services.
Board members asked about costs, transportation and security. Grama gave a private-pay estimate of $100–$110 for an 8‑hour day and said initial transportation would rely on families, with the operator adding proprietary transportation once the census grows. She also said the facility would have secure exits with sensors and cameras to address wandering among clients with dementia.
After public comment (none against), a board member moved to approve case Z29E171125 with conditions limiting the approval to this petitioner and location only; the motion carried on recorded affirmative votes, and staff will forward the recommendation to the Town Council for final action.
The petition will proceed to the council with staff’s recommendation and the conditions outlined during the hearing.